The European Commission has greenlit new 'right to repair' legislation, making strides in facilitating the repair process for out-of-warranty devices, as reported by Mac Rumors.

Under the new rules, consumers will find it easier to fix their malfunctioning devices even after their warranty periods have expired.

The European Union already mandates a minimum two-year warranty for common household appliances and electronics like smartphones, TVs, washing machines, and vacuum cleaners. 

However, the freshly endorsed regulations introduce additional provisions to address consumers' repair needs adequately.

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Extension of Warranties

Now, key aspects of the legislation include extending warranties by a year if a device is repaired under warranty, providing consumers with a loan device during repair periods, and offering refurbished units as alternatives if repairs are unfeasible. 

Moreover, companies must provide repairs at a "reasonable price" once warranties expire, discouraging intentional obstructions to repairs, such as hardware or software barriers.

This also means manufacturers will no longer be allowed to refuse repairs based solely on economic grounds or previous third-party repairs. They must also give consumers comprehensive information regarding repair services, including indicative prices for common repairs.

European Parliament rapporteur René Repasi hailed the legislation as a victory for consumers, stressing its role in promoting sustainability and combating climate change by encouraging repair over replacement. 

The directive is slated to be activated 20 days after formal approval by the Council.

In the United States, momentum is building behind individual state-level right-to-repair initiatives. California's Right to Repair Act , which will come into effect this July, mandates manufacturers provide repair materials for electronics and appliances exceeding $50 in value.

Critics on the Right to Repair Law

While Europe's Right to Repair group lauded the legislation as a step forward, concerns linger over its narrow scope, particularly its exclusion of business and industrial goods. 

Critics also want to clarify the absence of clear guidelines on determining a "reasonable price" for spare parts.

The impact of these regulations extends beyond European borders, with implications for global tech giants like Apple. However, the company's controversial "parts pairing" requirement, which inhibits third-party replacements of certain components, may face scrutiny under the new EU rules.

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